Estonia has seen a significant increase in tourism, with the number of domestic and international tourist arrivals rising from 2.26 million in 2006 to 3.79 million in 2019. The country is also ranked as the 15th-most safest country to visit in 2017, scoring 8.94 out of 10. Estonia is known for its beautiful nature, old architecture, and unique culture. The best time to visit is mid-summer, when the country offers ample space and time for travelers to explore at their own pace. Estonia has also accelerated its digital agenda, becoming a unique business and cultural hub. The summer in Estonia is light, with 19 hours of daylight known as “white nights”. Spring and autumn see frequent light rain, making it an ideal time for tourists to enjoy lively festivals, hiking trails, and warm sunshine. The Bank of Estonia reported that foreign tourists spent over €1.2 billion in Estonia in 2023, a 17-fold increase from 2022. Estonia is known for its forests, over 2,000 islands, one of the largest folk music festivals in Europe, Estonian saunas, and its unique culture.
📹 Visit Estonia – What You Should Know Before You Visit Estonia
Estonia, the Baltic Gem is a great little country to visit with beautiful lakes, islands and shoreline, not to mention some wonderful …
Is Estonia safe to visit right now?
Estonia has no recent history of terrorism, but attacks are possible and could be indiscriminate, even in foreign-visited areas. Staying aware, staying updated with local media, and following authorities’ advice are crucial. Pickpockets can be a problem in bars and nightclubs in Tallinn’s Old Town. Drink spiking, alcohol, and sexual assault are rare but do occur, especially late at night around popular nightlife locations.
Is Estonia cheap for tourists?
Estonia is generally cheaper than Western Europe, but its bargaining power has diminished since the 1990s. In touristy areas like Tallinn’s Old Town, prices are at Scandinavian levels. Local beer and hard liquor are cheaper compared to Western standards, with a 0. 5l bottle of local vodka costing around 10€ in supermarkets. Food prices are close to Western European standards, with some being more expensive than others. Western goods like clothes and electronics are as expensive or more so than in the West.
Estonia is generally more expensive than its Baltic neighbors, Finland, and Russia. However, traveling to Estonia can be a delightful experience with its blend of medieval charm, natural beauty, and modern culture.
Is Estonia friendly to Russia?
In 2022, Estonia, as an EU member, imposed sanctions on Russia following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russia added all EU countries to the list of “unfriendly nations”. Estonia declared Russian diplomats Persona non grata and banned some media channels based in Russia. In September 2022, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia closed entry for Russian citizens with Schengen visas, including those issued by third countries.
Estonia made it a criminal offense for Estonian citizens to fight for Russia, including those living in Estonia. On 18 October 2022, the Estonian parliament voted in favor of officially recognizing Russia as a terrorist state.
Why would someone visit Estonia?
Estonia, a small Baltic country known for its medieval architecture and natural beauty, is a popular destination for travelers seeking a peaceful escape from crowds. With five national parks, coastline, and charming towns, Estonia offers a variety of activities including hiking, cycling, and skiing in winter. Despite its popularity, Estonia remains relatively hidden compared to other Eastern European countries.
Is it currently safe to travel to Estonia?
The Level 1 guidelines for Estonia delineate the typical precautions for physical activity.
Is Estonia free from Russia?
Estonia, one of the Baltic states, was a country under foreign rule for much of its existence, including Germany, Sweden, and Russia. Its capital, Tallinn, is located on the northern coast of the country. The Estonians were first mentioned by Roman historian Tacitus in Germania and had a patriarchal political system. Vikings invaded Estonia in the mid-9th century, and the Danes and Swedes tried to Christianize the Estonians in the 11th and 12th centuries.
Between 1030 and 1192, the Russians made 13 incursions into Estonia but failed to establish supremacy. Einhard, a monk from Holstein, preached Christianity to the Livs, a Finno-Ugric tribe, for 16 years. His successor, Berthold of Hanover, appointed bishop of Livonia, decided to use the sword against the pagans. Einhard was killed in 1198 in battle. Albert of Buxhoevden, who succeeded him as bishop, pacified the Livs and forced them to build the fortress of Riga. He dedicated Livonia to the Virgin Mary and established the Order of the Brothers of the Sword in 1202.
How safe is Estonia from Russia?
It is recommended that travel to Russia be avoided by citizens of Estonia due to the potential for security risks at border crossing points. As of February 1, 2024, the Narva-Ivangorod border inspection post will be inaccessible to vehicles in both directions, while pedestrian traffic will be permitted to proceed. Russia has announced that reconstruction works are to be carried out at the Ivangorod border inspection post, with an estimated duration of up until the end of 2025.
Is Estonia foreigner friendly?
Estonian people are known for their warm, welcoming attitude towards expats, immigrants, and tourists. The country’s cities blend medieval and modern architecture, while its countryside offers six national parks, forests, salt marshes, mountains, and beaches. Estonia’s compact size allows for easy access to both city and wilderness areas within a 20-minute train ride. Hiking and camping are popular activities, and city life can be fun and exciting, while nature can provide a relaxing escape. Estonia’s compact nature makes it an ideal destination for both city life and nature lovers.
What is Estonia like as a holiday destination?
The country of Estonia boasts a plethora of natural beauty, encompassing vast forests, verdant meadows, serene rivers, and glimmering lakes. Additionally, it is a nation with a rich cultural heritage, evident in its diverse architectural styles, vibrant artistic traditions, and a rich tapestry of cultural practices observed in its urban and rural communities.
Is Estonia a good place for tourists?
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is prevalent in Tallinn Old Town and during the summer tourist season. Thieves often target tourists in public areas like airports and train stations. Violence is rare, but foreigners are not common targets. Harassment may occur due to race or appearance. To ensure safety, avoid poorly lit streets, Kopli and Lasnamäe, and show no signs of affluence. Lock your vehicle, park in a guarded parking lot overnight, and secure your personal belongings, including passports and travel documents.
Why is Estonia so popular?
Estonia, a small Northern European country, is known for its advanced, high-income free market economy, balanced government budgets, flat income tax, low tariffs, and low public debt. The country’s coastal capital, Tallinn, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is bordered by Russia, Latvia, the Baltic Sea, and the Gulf of Finland. The country has a history of alternating between Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian rule, with a war of independence breaking Estonia free of the Russian Empire after World War I.
After World War II, Moscow regained control, and Estonia was absorbed into the Soviet Union. In 1991, Estonia regained independence along with its Baltic neighbors, Latvia and Lithuania. Today, Estonia is a parliamentary representative democracy, with a focus on Western foreign relations, having been a member of NATO and the European Union since 2004 and becoming a eurozone member state in 2011.
📹 Which Country Do You NOT Want To Visit? | ESTONIA
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I think there are several reasons why people do not prefer India as traveling destination. We have seen different tv docs of cleanliness issues, how hot temperatures there are and how big India is and how many people live there. It is the very opposite to Estonia. We like everything to be super clean, calm and peaceful 😀 There was saying when covid was over – “finally the terrible 2 meter distance is over, now Estonians can go back to their usual 5m distance”. I visited Rome just before covid and oh boy, how tired I was of people by the end of that trip. I could not get any peace outside, someone was constantly bumping into me in store or streets. So many crowds, so many queues where I had to fight for my spot. I am glad I visited that city – amazing old ancient history. But when I arrived back to Tallinn airport we went to supermarket to buy some food on our way home. And oh boy, how I enjoyed standing in peace and quiet in shops queue – everyone was quietly and politely, keeping a big nice distance waiting for their turn. It felt gooood. 🙂
I’m baffled how many said India and not nations like Somalia, South Sudan, Chad, Venezuela, Afghanistan etc. While I would love to visit all of these, I’m quite sure the security situation is WAY worse in most of those nations than India, which has been catering to travelers since the 60s. Maybe I’m biased because I’ve been there and live in SEA even I was born in Sweden, but India is really not that bad. If you are scared of food poisoning, then don’t eat street food, quite simple. As for safety? I’m a male so might be different, but I really had no problems at all, including in Kashmir, ppl were extremely helpful, you just gotta be aware who is genuinely nice and who is a tout looking for commission from somewhere, normal ppl don’t come up from nowhere trying to drag you somewhere, and again, that’s way worse in some other nations, so give India a chance y’all! U won’t regret it!
I know what country I DO want to visit…Estonia, my Grandfather Harald´s homeland. He fled to Brazil in 1941 during WWII, he was forced to leave his mother and sister behind, because he didnt want to fight for the N*zis during the ocuppation. Unfortunately he could never visit Tallinn again. He died down here in Brazil in 1984. It´s my dream to travel to Estonia. ❤
As Korean-indian I just wanted to inform that It’s a very large and diverse country, not all the places are dirty. We have one of the most beautiful historical sculptures in the whole world. So I just want to request please don’t judge it just by seeing some news or so.Indian people are one of the most intellectual people in the world .Most of the big companies in the world have or have had an indian at the top position. I know it’s your opinion and you didn’t disrespect the country but please don’t speak ill of it just by getting informed through media. Please do make a visit here 🙏
I agree. I would not go to India in this day and age. Overpopulated, extremely loud. Locals spit at will, it’s completely normal. Also, plenty of horror stories about food poisoning in India. It’s dirty everywhere and there are open sewers. Open defecation is common as toilets are not available everywhere. Trucks sometimes pick up dead homeless people off the streets in the early hours. I don’t doubt that there are some interesting things to see there, but in its current state, you’d have to pay me to visit India.
Congrats, Estonian! You have some good looking people in your country. Also, I’m totally onboard with that one guy who hates Finland. I don’t hate Finland. I like Finland, and even a few of its people. But I totally respect that he won’t even take a ferry over to Helsinki because the people suck. That is completely a valid reason.
The person saying he does not like Finnish people… like where did that come from? Of all the people on Earth, many of who do terrible things, Finns are the worst? Seriously? I do not want to go to Russia, except for some specific places. Would like to visit St Petersburg and spend an entire week in the Hermitage. Maybe, MAYBE Moscow (I have been to both of them but a very long time ago) My first memory of St Petersburg was that me and my father wated to get coffee in a cafe. Black coffee. And in every place we went to, cups were already prepared with milk and sugar already in the cup, so we had to go about 10 cafes where we could finally get black coffee without all the additions. This was really weird. And a problem for me as I am a coffee addict. Another place where good strong coffee is impossible to get is the US. People there drink basically hot water with a slight smell of coffee. Only in five star hotel cafes I could get espresso, that was fine. But just regular coffee is so weird in some places, and I need my coffee. Now I have just learned to carry Nescafe coffee with me, so I can just ask for water or have it with me in a thermos. This articles should maybe be more interesting if you rephrased the question and asked people which country would they never pay out of their own pockets to visit. You would have got more answers there. Otherwise you just get the regular cliche that “everything is interesting”. Well, i do not think that everything is interesting. Not at all
I’ve never been to Estonia.. Or India.. But I imagine there must be a fundamental difference between the two cultures which makes Estonians reject India so much. For example, German culture is very “by the book”, where as Italian culture is a lot more relaxed. I think they’re must be some kind of fundamental difference like this between India and Estonia.
Contrary to what Indians are being made to believe that India has become a top country in last ten years, when the reality is people are comparing it to Somalia, North Korea. Worst is that most of my fellow Indians instead of acknowledging the hygiene and safety concerns and improving, they try to defend. Sad.
Okay..I respect people’s decision not to visit India..But dude you will miss really great stuffs..See everything has its own pros and cons..So if u wanna see some cool things like The Taj mahal, Nubra Valley, Munnar, Kallanai(One of the world’s oldest functioning dam),The Big temple,Valley of flowers, The Golden temple,Yercaud, Darjeeling,Aksharadham..etc etc..You are welcome and we are people known for our hospitality..Why see only the negative side when it’s positive all around..!! – Love (Swe) India will always welcome you no matter what your opinion is.. ❤️
I don’t really understand why Estonians hate India (or probably they like it too much that they are scared lol) but India is not dirty/unclean everywhere and there are historical tourist places in almost all Indian cities worth visiting… personally I haven’t visited any Baltic country but I’ve been to India and its worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. Love from Singapore to the world
Loved the article. Well, I need to say a few things please don’t look at India from the 80s or 90s perspective. Please check modern India and I think that you will change your decision and visit here. You are always welcome. Yes there may be still some dirt here but hey every country has its right. Economically, India is among the top 5 highest GDP of the world, very soon among the top 3 and I think it deserves a little bit courtesy when it’s name is said. It is still a developing nation, one of the reasons is it supports a lot of people, which the government is doing skillfully, no doubt. Nevertheless, I respect everyone’s opinion and believe that there is always time to learn.
Indonesian here. Unfortunately many people around the world associate India with uncleanliness and unhygienic environment as well as political upheaval, even in a developing country like Indonesia. I think it’s so sad as India has many positive side, such as being a leading global centre for IT industry and possessing beautiful cultural landmarks such as Taj Mahal and unspoilt nature of the Himalayas. People around the world should learn about more India!
Yow there are parts of India that are safe tho (I MEANT THOSE CITIES WITH MORE OPEN-MINDED PEOPLE), such as MUMBAI and the SOUTHERN PARTS OF INDIA. So don’t worry, I totally understand where they’re coming from. I have some fellow Pagans from India, and because they are totally impressed by Estonia’s standing Paganism, they are very interested on visiting, but sadly you know, the covid came to interrupt so, they said they want to keep safe until covid is either very weak in a RARE number kind of level or completely over. They want to cooperate on keeping each countries safe, they said the problem was they have some hard headed people who won’t cooperate with the Pandemic’s rules apparently.
India has 6 seasons to enjoy..every season different type of food to enjoy, it has deserts, mountains, sea, forest, so many languages, so many traditions, emotions and relationships and family culture, so many places to visit, 2nd largest polutation of world, 5 th largest economy, the most important which all the western countries lack is spicy life life is full of adventures challenges emotions people are talkative…western people live alone boring life and die alone without any true friend
Dear Estonians, We know you are the richest ex-soviet country but seems like you are having very little exposure to the outer world except Europe! I don’t have neither hate/love towards your country but make sure you guys are perfect before ranting about any other country! _A happy Indian diplomat who worked in 5 European countries!
Oho god I can not believe a huge gunk of people think about India in negative way. Where as this the largest democratic country, free religious, and much more . And above that All INDIANS are truly believe on “ATITHI DEBO BHABA” I hope one day ESTONIA people’s mindset will change towards INDIA Always remember 🇮🇳💓🇧🇼
So in my opinion that’s really good article but as well I would wanna say something about North Korea, in my opinion that’s really strange choice I think because there are big quantity terrible moments definitely in political plan and as well if you will do there something against (and there really so ridiculous restrictions) you will be sent in the really terrible place, so yeah I wouldn’t wanna visit in this place, but like a human which really like different great countries and places I would prefer for visit Estonia 🇪🇪 and Finland 🇫🇮.